Chapter 288: Interception and Counter-Interception, Zhao Xing's Retaliation

"The assassins arrived at Brightmoon City ten days ago?" Zhao Xing was stunned; this information was truly shocking.

He also realized the seriousness of the situation and readily accepted the advice: "King Tianyan, I'm returning to the city now."

After ending the call, Zhao Xing's main body closed his eyes and entered his Memory Palace.

"It's late April now, and King Liang's Heavenly Fortune Golden Scroll opened a bit earlier than expected."

"It should have opened in the second half of the year, but it's several months early — he's much more impatient than in my previous life."

"The Heavenly Fortune Golden Scroll functions similarly to the Creation Plate, but there are differences. The Creation Plate covers everything, big or small."

"The Golden Scroll, however, primarily focuses on the strong."

"My rapid appearance on the Heavenly Fortune Golden Scroll, and such a high ranking, must be due to multiple factors. 'Strength' on the Golden Scroll doesn't just refer to cultivation realm or combat power."

"Firstly, my strong destiny. After making a deal with the Destined Xuanbird, my destiny was enhanced, reaching a six-star level. This is 'strength' in terms of destiny."

"Secondly, my strong actual power. Although I'm only at the Fourth Grade, I've mastered the first layer of the Soul Evolution Art, far exceeding the average level for that stage."

"I've also cultivated top-tier cloud techniques like the Cloud Gate Sky-Measuring Thunder Art, the Heavenly Thunder Finger, and geomancy techniques like the Vast Ocean Earth Palace, Profound Water Earth Palace, and Earth Spirit Divine Treasure Art."

"Additionally, there's the Kun Peng Transformation and Dream Walking Art."

"Through the amplification of my Myriad Manifestation Clones and the Soul Evolution Art, my spells alone are enough to contend with a mid-Third Grade cultivator. For escape and survival, I'm even stronger."

"I also possess numerous treasures like the Solar Term Token set, the Primordial Yin Sacred Codex, the Heavenly Mystery Robe, and the Purple Moon Soul Lamp. This constitutes my strength."

Thinking this, Zhao Xing couldn't help but frown.

Even so, he hadn't overtly displayed much of this power; at least, he hadn't yet engaged in a full-power life-or-death battle.

His apparent Fourth Grade cultivation, even if it got him onto the Heavenly Fortune Golden Scroll, shouldn't have placed him so high.

Zhao Xing carefully browsed his Memory Palace, replaying scenes of his past actions.

"Stop!"

The image froze. Zhao Xing saw a scene of himself chatting with Hu Yang at the Xuantian Academy, then bent over a desk, writing his numerical theory.

"It seems this is it."

Zhao Xing took a deep breath.

"Third point: strong influence!"

"My 'Three Yin, Three Yang, Six Qi Great Heavenly Cycle Theory: Numerical Chapter'!"

"It can accurately calculate the periodic strength and weakness of the numerous cave-heaven passages in the Military Realm. In this aspect, it's even more effective than the 'Wu Chronicle: Heavenly Cycle Theory'."

"It seems I still underestimated its significance," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

"From a military perspective, my numerical theory on the Military Realm's cave heavens is enough to determine the life or death of a high-grade army legion for either King Liang's faction or the imperial court."

In war, one must seize advantageous terrain and control crucial passages.

The precise opening dates of the Military Realm passages are extremely important to both sides!

Going a day earlier or a day later leads to entirely different outcomes, and going too early is a waste of military resources.

"I met Hu Yang at the end of March and spent a lot of time calculating the opening time of the ninth entrance located in the Danxia Cave Heaven. Soon after, this assassination attempt came," Zhao Xing mused.

Even his assassination of King Tianxia hadn't drawn such attention from King Liang's faction.

Yet, shortly after calculating the passage entrance, the assassination began. This clearly wasn't a coincidence.

Zhao Xing continued browsing, then saw himself in the Star Palace.

He was writing down his insights on cultivating the first layer of the Soul Evolution Art.

"And this point: the correct path for cultivating the Soul Evolution Art!"

"My cultivation insights will also have a huge impact on other practitioners of the Soul Evolution Art."

Those who can cultivate the Soul Evolution Art are either high-grade cultivators or possess heaven-defying talent.

Zhao Xing quickly pinpointed these two reasons.

For influence, there might also be the 'Theory of Self and Heavenly Objects,' and even the bonus from being a disciple of True Lord Tianyang and Liu Tianning.

However, the most important factors were the numerical theory for calculating Military Realm passages and his cultivation insights on the Soul Evolution Art!

Opening his eyes, Zhao Xing's expression was calm.

Although assassins had already arrived in Brightmoon City, and their strength was certainly not low, Zhao Xing was not in a hurry.

There was no use rushing.

"Gao Dongpo, continue leading the implementation of the governance plan."

"Now, only a few rather special counties remain in Brightmoon City. You are fully capable of managing the rest."

"I have other matters to attend to, so you will be responsible for taking over the rest."

"Thank you for your guidance, Lord." Gao Dongpo bowed deeply, moved, "Your subordinate will never forget this."

Zhao Xing's departure meant he was delegating authority to Gao Dongpo, which would be noted on his record.

Of course, he had to thank Zhao Xing.

Gao Dongpo was an official of Brightmoon City. While his official rank was the same as Zhao Xing's, his unofficial rank was much higher. However, he was now completely won over by Zhao Xing.

Some superiors were capable, but all the credit usually went to them.

Where could one find a superior like Zhao Xing, who was highly skilled, understood his subordinates, and shared credit?

Little did he know, Lord Zhao was about to flee for his life!

"Do your work well, and the Governor will not forget you."

Zhao Xing smiled, patted Gao Dongpo's shoulder, and then soared away with a whoosh.

He took all the clones he had here with him.

He couldn't leave his clones with Gao Dongpo, lest they implicate the innocent.

"Lord Zhao." Gao Dongpo watched the direction Zhao Xing disappeared in, a wisp of faint cloud mist appearing, and couldn't help but feel more emotional. "It's truly a blessing to work with him."

After a moment of reflection, Gao Dongpo roused himself and shouted, "Everyone, get to work! Don't let down the Governor and Lord Zhao's expectations!"

"Governor, someone wants to kill me."

In the official residence of Brightmoon City, in the government office, Zhao Xing walked into the main hall and addressed Ye Yukong.

"Oh, approved." Ye Yukong opened his eyes and subconsciously picked up the official seal.

Zhao Xing: "???"

What are you approving? Are you approving someone to kill me?

Brother, wake up!

"Governor, assassins want to kill me; I'm not asking for a letter of approval."

"What?!" Ye Yukong immediately snapped to attention. "Someone wants to kill you? How audacious!"

"Chen An, don't worry. With me here, I'd like to see who dares!"

Zhao Xing:

Why do you look so excited?

Ye Yukong, meanwhile, was rubbing his palms together. In just a few breaths, his entire demeanor changed!

Sword intent flowed around him, radiating a domineering aura. The normally plain-looking Ye Yukong suddenly became much more handsome.

How could he not be excited?

Staying in the government office, stamping documents, was easy, but it was incredibly boring!

He fell asleep every day.

Now, with assassins targeting Zhao Xing, things were finally getting lively!

"Do you know where the assassins are? How many of them?" Ye Yukong asked eagerly.

"Not yet clear," Zhao Xing shook his head. "But I received definite information that assassins entered Brightmoon City ten days ago. The number of them is unknown."

"But if they were sent to kill me, they must be at least Third Grade, and a small number wouldn't suffice."

Zhao Xing's ability to use Myriad Manifestation Clones was well-known intelligence within King Liang's faction.

Putting himself in their shoes, if Zhao Xing were the mastermind behind the assassination, he wouldn't send just one person.

Otherwise, it would be easy to kill no one of significance.

"The assassins absolutely cannot be in the main city! And they wouldn't have been able to infiltrate the heavily garrisoned counties of Brightmoon City."

"Chen An, you have Myriad Manifestation Clones. If they want to kill you, it would require at least a five-person Third Grade team, comprising a Cultivator of Agriculture, a Sorcerer, a Martial Artist, a Priest, and a Ritualist," Ye Yukong stated his analysis.

Zhao Xing was a bit surprised: "How do you figure?"

"A Cultivator of Agriculture understands other Cultivators of Agriculture best."

"A Third Grade Sorcerer can provide spell amplification and has decent combat power. If they're from King Liang's faction, they'll also likely have destiny divination to predict your location and track you."

"Priests can destroy souls, Martial Artists can shatter spirits, and Ritualists can use Forgetfulness Art, Mute Spell, and Mind-Dulling Art to minimize the commotion caused by the assassination."

"You said the assassins have been here for ten days. They must have seen the changes in Brightmoon City. They definitely wouldn't stay in cities where the natural disaster warning has dropped below Level 5."

"So they can only be in counties that still have a Level 6 natural disaster warning."

As he spoke, Ye Yukong suddenly drew his long sword.

"Hahaha, I know roughly where they are!"

"I'll go apprehend them now!"

Ye Yukong glanced at the map and was about to issue orders immediately.

Zhao Xing: "???"

Wait, brother, have you been replaced?

How can you react so quickly when it comes to military operations?

Zhao Xing was astonished.

He didn't even know where Ye Yukong pulled out the military map from.

"Governor, perhaps we should deliberate a bit more?" Zhao Xing asked. "You've determined the scope so quickly?"

Ye Yukong pointed his sword at the map and said:

"For the assassin team to escape the dual detection of the Celestial Observation Department and the Divine Temple, they can only be in counties with extreme environments."

"That's one reason."

"The other areas have been mostly managed, leaving only these few places you would visit. That's another."

"You said they've been here for ten days, meaning they're prepared for a prolonged operation. But they are assassins; they can't carry a large amount of supplies. To maintain peak condition at all times, they'd have to rely on the military Cultivator of Agriculture in their team for food."

Ye Yukong moved the tip of his sword, pointing at the locations of three counties.

"In extreme environments, it's very difficult for a military Cultivator of Agriculture to provide supplies."

"They couldn't choose other places. They could only lie low in Guang County, Dang County, or Yuyang County, because these areas are adjacent to counties with normal environments."

"If the assassination fails, these places are also best for escape."

"Tell me, if they're not here, then where could they be?"

Zhao Xing looked at Ye Yukong, momentarily stunned.

He realized that Ye Yukong's analysis was almost identical to his own.

He had taken a while to reach his conclusion, while Ye Yukong had come to the same conclusion in a very short time, based on just a few words!

Absolutely incredible!

No wonder the imperial court wanted Ye Yukong to be the Governor.

Even if he was terrible at handling official duties, he wouldn't cause Brightmoon City to collapse in the short term. But as long as he was in this position, it would be difficult for Brightmoon City to fall into enemy hands!

Such extreme specialization left Zhao Xing truly impressed.

"The Governor truly is a divine figure!"

"Hahaha, Chen An, you flatter me, hahahaha."

Ye Yukong felt pleased.

He had finally heard Zhao Xing genuinely praise him.

"Governor, the people coming to assassinate me probably won't be too weak," Zhao Xing added.

"My ranking on the Heavenly Fortune Golden Scroll is quite high, so the Governor should consider that point."

Ye Yukong, of course, knew about the Heavenly Fortune Golden Scroll, as he was a member of the ninth eastern group of the Pinghai Province United Front Work Department.

"How high could it be?"

"Already in the top hundred."

Ye Yukong was stunned.

"What? Chen An, what did you say?"

"I'm already ranked in the top hundred of the Heavenly Fortune Golden Scroll."

Ye Yukong was shocked: "Heavens, higher than me! What on earth have you done?"

Zhao Xing found it difficult to explain directly, as the numerical chapter was still classified.

Seeing this, Ye Yukong realized that Zhao Xing couldn't reveal the reason.

He pondered for a moment and said, "If that's the case, I alone couldn't possibly kill them all. This matter requires careful deliberation. Chen An, you should return to the city first and avoid alerting them."

"Yes, I'm already on my way."

Ye Yukong immediately took out his terrestrial mirror, seemingly already making preparations.

Zhao Xing didn't yet have a clear idea of how strong Ye Yukong was.

But Ye Yukong was overtly a peak Third Grade swordsman, renowned for many years, and his self-created Brightmoon Sword Art was a top-tier technique!

The imperial court, despite knowing Ye Yukong wasn't good at governing, still entrusted him with this authority, which demonstrated his immense martial power and military capabilities.

Zhao Xing believed that Ye Yukong could resolve this wave of assassination crises.

Even if he couldn't, there were still King Luo and King Tianyan to back them up.

"For now, I should ensure my main body returns safely."

Zhao Xing's main body hurried back to the city from Sui County. At the same time, many clones also rushed to the city from different locations.

Acting simultaneously, even if they wanted to intercept him, his numerous clones would be enough to distract them.

Furthermore, Zhao Xing had split his main soul into seven.

Therefore, it was difficult to identify which body was his main one based solely on life souls.

Half a day later, Zhao Xing's main body successfully returned to the city.

Meanwhile.

King Tianyan and King Luo were having a secret conversation.

"Luo, quickly send experts to Brightmoon City and ensure Zhao Xing's safety!" King Tianyan had now returned to his original appearance, his hair having grown back, though he looked even older.

"Tianyan, what happened?" King Luo's expression was serious.

He already knew that King Tianyan had just resolved the internal conflict among the Heaven's Mandate Officials and that the Heavenly Secret Pavilion had regained control of the Creation Plate. "Zhao Xing has appeared on the Heavenly Fortune Golden Scroll, and his rank is extremely high! After some fluctuations, it has stabilized at seventy-seventh," King Tianyan said. "I've calculated that assassins have already arrived in Brightmoon City to intercept and kill Zhao Xing, and they've been here for ten days! They will act soon!"

"What? Seventy-seventh on the Heavenly Fortune Golden Scroll?" A hint of surprise flashed in King Luo's eyes.

He fully understood what this meant.

"I'll immediately send the Dragon Abyss Governor and King Shen Luo over."

"Add two more!"

King Luo fell silent. "Tianyan, I can send people, but I need to know the extent of Zhao Xing's importance."

"Your Heavenly Secret Pavilion can't keep being so secretive. You must tell me why, otherwise, mobilizing resources to protect Zhao Xing like this will cause both him and me to face criticism."

King Tianyan said in a deep voice, "Just deploy! I guarantee with my life that this deployment is reasonable."

"Tianyan, I also value Zhao Xing. However, considering the current overall situation, any deployment requires careful consideration."

"I need a rational reason, not just your life as collateral."

"To be blunt, neither your life nor mine is worth mentioning when it comes to the bigger picture."

King Luo's words seemed somewhat heartless, but this was his rationality as a commander.

King Tianyan shook his head and said, "This is top secret. If you want to know, you can only ask His Majesty."

"Top secret?" King Luo's pupils contracted; he understood instantly.

However, no matter how much he thought, he couldn't have guessed that Zhao Xing had found the correct path for cultivating the Soul Evolution Art.

His cultivation insights could potentially influence the next thousand years!

"Alright, knowing those four words is enough," King Luo nodded. "I will also dispatch Marquis Linghuan and Palace Master Tianshi there."

"Hurry!" King Tianyan said, then hastily cut off the communication.

As soon as Zhao Xing returned to Brightmoon City.

He received a message from King Luo.

"Zhao Xing, the Dragon Abyss Governor, King Shen Luo, Marquis Linghuan, and Palace Master Tianshi will travel to Brightmoon City through secret passages to assist Ye Yukong in dealing with this group of assassins."

"Also, King Tianyan will personally come to Brightmoon City, but he cannot stay long. Please wait for him at the Lihuo Daoist Academy."

"Understood," Zhao Xing listened obediently.

He had only heard of the Dragon Abyss Governor; he hadn't heard of the other three.

Clearly, these were hidden high-tier forces of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

"Guang County, Dang County, Yuyang County." Zhao Xing's clone looked at the map, while his main body arrived at the Lihuo Daoist Academy to wait.

"Still, I need to address the problem from multiple angles."

"If King Liang's faction fails this assassination, they'll increase their efforts next time. And I can't stay in Brightmoon City forever. I still need to come up with a plan."

On April 27th, the Dragon Abyss Governor, King Shen Luo, Marquis Linghuan, and Palace Master Tianshi arrived at Brightmoon City.

Zhao Xing did not meet these four powerful figures; they arrived secretly.

As per King Tianyan's instructions, he was not to interact with these four before the official operation, to avoid creating karma that could be divined by enemy destiny sorcerers.

On April 28th, King Tianyan appeared at the Lihuo Daoist Academy.

Zhao Xing did meet with King Tianyan.

In a secret chamber, King Tianyan held a compass, enveloped beneath a black and white ritual robe.

"Zhao Xing, this time, I need one of your main souls as bait."

"Otherwise, the assassins will certainly not fall for it."

"Understood," Zhao Xing nodded. "I am ready."

Zhao Xing waved his hand, and a clone emerged from the shadows behind him.

"This clone's life soul is also at the early Third Grade."

"Put on this robe." King Tianyan waved his hand, and a black and white robe appeared.

"Understood." Zhao Xing immediately had the clone undress and change into the robe.

"Now, have this clone leave the city and proceed to Guang County, Dang County, and Yuyang County in sequence."

"Your subordinate understands." Zhao Xing immediately set off.

As for the five grand masters, where were they?

He didn't concern himself with that; in any case, he wouldn't be able to find them.

"Your remaining six souls, merged into one, stand within this circle."

King Tianyan tossed the compass in his hand upwards.

Black and white rays of light instantly enveloped the ground, forming a barrier.

"Understood."

Zhao Xing still complied.

He had already understood King Tianyan's intention.

Now, his main body was concealed.

Only the life soul of the bait clone outside was the most powerful.

The sub-soul bodies existing within the other clones were very weak and easily discernible to high-grade cultivators.

"The main body should not entertain any thoughts; quietly guard this place and await the outcome."

"Understood." Zhao Xing immediately cleared his mind.

In Dang County, eastern suburbs, within a manor covered in maple leaves.

A middle-aged man in a Six Ren Daoist robe looked up at the sky.

His room had a skylight, and sunlight falling through it formed a flowing image on the ground.

"Tianjue, what have you calculated?" A man with twin blades on his back and golden fur on his face, resembling an ape, walked over.

"King Jinye, you can prepare to act. Zhao Xing will arrive in Dang County at You Shi today," Daoist Tianjue said. "This time, it's his main body."

"Are you sure?" A woman emerged from the shadows in the room, her voice crisp. "Don't be like Venerable Sword River and his group, who assassinated Liu Tianning but ended up just slicing his Myriad Manifestation Clones."

"King Bingxuan, you're also a military Cultivator of Agriculture. You should be able to tell, won't you know once you see him?" King Jinye looked at the enchanting woman in a Cloud-Rain Daoist robe and a hundred-flower straw hat.

"I follow the Celestial Timing faction," King Bingxuan shrugged. "Before the Xuantian Academy split, no one respected the Shangluo Academy, let alone those who cultivated the Straw Figure Art. If not for Liu Zonghai and Wu Cheng compiling this art, those Cultivators of Agriculture would just be farming slaves in our eyes."

"A single ultimate technique changed the future of an entire sect. Techniques truly are wondrous."

A middle-aged man in scholar's robes, holding a scripture, walked in, shaking his head slightly.

Behind him followed a blind priest carrying a divine statue on his back and a spirit tablet in his hands.

The three couldn't help but take a step back when they saw the frail scholar enter.

"Gentlemen, please don't be like that, I don't eat people," the frail scholar smiled. "What were you just discussing?"

"Mr. Gu," King Jinye respectfully said, "Tianjue said it's confirmed that You Shi today is the time to complete the mission, and Zhao Xing will appear in Dang County."

"That's good news," Mr. Gu said. "I thought we'd have to wait three to five months. Brother Tianjue is truly remarkable."

"Mr. Gu, you flatter me," Daoist Tianjue replied humbly.

Facing this Ritualist, all four were very respectful.

There was no choice; Mr. Gu was the strongest here, a Second Grade Ritualist!

Of course, he was a Second Grade Ritualist conferred by King Liang.

Don't let Mr. Gu's current amiable demeanor fool you; he was actually quite sinister.

Tianjue, Bingxuan, King Jinye, and the blind priest all greatly feared him.

The Ritualist's Mind-Dulling Art, Forgetfulness Art, and Mute Spell were all too painful to experience.

"It's decided then, we act at You Shi today," Mr. Gu smiled. "Capture him if possible. If we get him, we can use him to restrain Liu Tianning. If not, kill him; that will also drive Liu Tianning mad."

"Remember, at least leave a corpse."

"Understood."

On April 28th, precisely at You Shi, the Cloud-Rain Skyship slowly appeared in Dang County.

"We've arrived in Dang County. It's truly harsh here."

Zhao Xing sighed as he looked at the thunderclouds ahead.

"Above, the sky is thick with heavenly lightning; below, countless ground-mines explode, and there are also storms attacking."

At this moment, Zhao Xing had completely forgotten about the assassination plot.

To avoid revealing any flaws, he sealed this part of his memory as soon as he left the city.

His purpose in coming to Dang County now was purely to assess the situation and consider how to provide disaster relief.

"Dang County already had a harsh environment, and now with the turmoil, it's become even worse," Zhao Xing shook his head.

"Fortunately, Engineer Huang evacuated people early, allowing most of the populace to enter shelters."

"Later, after relocation, eighty percent of the counties in Dang County were virtually uninhabited."

"Let's first check the most severely affected areas."

Zhao Xing steered the Cloud-Rain Skyship towards the most severe thunderstorm areas in Dang County.

He was completely unaware that a pair of eyes was watching him.

"The target has appeared." King Bingxuan looked down from within the thunder pond. "Confirmed to be Zhao Xing's main body."

"Act." Mr. Gu's voice came from her ear.

"Understood." King Bingxuan immediately manipulated the thunderclouds, making it rain.

Immediately, visibility became extremely low.

The Cloud-Rain Skyship began to sway in the air.

King Bingxuan and King Jinye slowly surrounded it.

"He has entered the range of the Forgetfulness Array," Tianjue said from below. "Bingxuan, Jinye, you can capture him now."

*Swish*

King Bingxuan and King Jinye abruptly appeared before the Cloud-Rain Skyship.

"What?" Zhao Xing was startled. "Who are you?!"

*Boom! Boom!*

King Jinye's twin blades cleaved down, two golden blade shadows like collapsing mountains, pressing down on the Cloud-Rain Skyship.

"Not good!"

Zhao Xing immediately abandoned the Cloud-Rain Skyship and fled for his life.

"Running? Can you escape?"

King Bingxuan immediately blocked Zhao Xing's path, licking her lips.

"Alright, then I won't run."

Zhao Xing's eyes became clear.

The moment he saw these two unfamiliar Third Grade cultivators, his Dream Preservation Art unsealed, and he understood why the clone was here.

"You... you're really not running?" King Bingxuan was surprised. "Aren't you Liu Tianning's disciple? Haven't you learned top-tier techniques? Won't you even struggle?"

"A wise man knows when to yield. Since you're so powerful, why should I run?"

"I surrender. Please take me to your leader." Zhao Xing was also happy to stall for time with her.

King Jinye and King Bingxuan were momentarily dumbfounded.

Why wasn't he playing by the rules?

Wasn't this person supposedly demoted for openly cursing King Liang? Wasn't he known for his unyielding character?

"It seems your backbone isn't very tough," King Jinye said, slinging his blade over his shoulder. He flew over and reached for Zhao Xing. "Then come with us."

"Sirs, I can fly myself," Zhao Xing seemed a little afraid. "Please, don't hurt me."

Seeing Zhao Xing's demeanor, King Jinye and King Bingxuan grew increasingly disdainful.

King Bingxuan even taunted, "Liu Tianning truly took a fine disciple."

"Hahaha, then let's go down."

King Jinye and King Bingxuan immediately took Zhao Xing down to the maple leaf manor on the ground.

"Mr. Gu, we've completed the mission. We've captured Zhao Xing alive."

King Jinye couldn't help but announce the good news.

"Oh?" Mr. Gu appeared at the doorway.

When he saw Zhao Xing surrounded by the two, his expression instantly changed.

*Whoosh*

Mr. Gu, without a word, grabbed the priest next to him and fled.

He didn't even bother to warn them!

Unwilling to waste even a single moment of escape time!

"Mr. Gu—you?" King Bingxuan and King Jinye were both stunned.

Daoist Tianjue also reacted, immediately fleeing underground.

Zhao Xing, seizing the moment of their confusion, also quickly made his escape.

In the blink of an eye, only King Bing